Bangalore: Modi's new challenge - Can he woo Karnataka voters?

Bangalore: Modi's new challenge - Can he woo Karnataka voters?

Bangalore, Mar 23 (IANS): Scarred by scandal after scandal, Karnataka's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is roping in Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to help it retain power even though he did not make much of an impact the last time he campaigned in the state.

Flush with another victory in Gujarat and hailed as the future prime minister by a section of the BJP, Modi faces a severe test of his ability to woo Karnataka voters as the party is in a mess in the state.

The election to the 225-member assembly that includes one nominated member is on May 5. Though the BJP and other parties have launched the campaign already, it will pick up momentum only after nominations close April 17.Vote count is on May 8.

The Karnataka BJP has not yet spelt out how extensively it will make Modi tour the state to seek votes for it in the May 5 elections.

In the last assembly poll in 2008 when BJP managed to come to power for the first time in the southern state, Modi had toured a very few places but the party did not sweep those areas.

This time around, Modi and the BJP in Karnataka are in sharply contrasting positions - he seems to be on the ascendancy while the party in the state is on a downhill journey.

Modi cannot even sell his much-touted 'Gujarat model of development' in Karnataka as almost every BJP leader in the state has been mouthing it while people witnessed unending corruption scandals, dissidence and change of chief ministers.

Playing on the 'Hindu Hruday Samrat' (darling of Hindus as Modi is described by his admirers) sentiment can also boomerang on the BJP as the party has been taught a bitter lesson because of excesses by rightwing Hindu activists in its stronghold coastal areas. The BJP was routed in these areas in the recent municipal polls.

This leaves Modi and the BJP to talk about Congress corruption, a touchy subject indeed for the party in Karnataka as its first chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa was forced out of office over mining bribery charges and is fighting over a dozen cases of graft.

While the party's third chief minister in the state Jagadish Shettar enjoys a clean image, he is saddled with several ministers, including two deputy chief ministers, K.S. Eshwarappa and R. Ashoka, fighting corruption and cases of illegal land deals. Eshwarappa was also state unit president till March 21.

Other issues like Congress practising vote-bank politics and its inability to curb terrorism have been flogged so often by BJP that they no longer impress the voters.

Besides lack of issues on which Modi can try to sway Karnataka voters, the Gujarat chief minister also has to effectively blunt Yeddyurappa's relentless campaign against his former party.

That seems easier said than done as Yeddyurappa, who quit the BJP in November and is heading the Karnataka Janata Party, has been repeating almost daily that he "is a victim of conspiracy by a section of state and central BJP leaders".

Against such an all-round bleak backdrop, Modi's election campaign in the state, whether short or extensive, may end up as a huge hype with all the limelight on him and little benefit for the beleaguered party.

A C.M who never wanted to appointed a Lokayuktha in his state for years and speaks about Mr clean and gave good governance? The fate of BJP will never change even if all the leaders of BJP camp and campaign.

How Mr.Modi can control K'taka, because he is CM for Gujarath. Why he is not advising BJP government during 5 years rule for development. Only election time he is visiting. Voters has to re-think while voting because how politians are mis-guiding the people. If BJP re-elected, how gurantee for expecting good developement and good governance? which is not done in past 5 years in K'taka. This is not a Cricket match bringing Mr. Modi in election campaign and wining the election.?

After dismal performance by KA BJP, local leaders are unable to face the public, they know that they'll have to face wrath of people. Hence to cover up their misdeeds they want Modi to step in and shield them.

Modi on his part is clever enough NOT to fall into this 'quicksand' created by Karnataka BJP.

Karnataka BJP looks like a house which lies in the path of the Cyclone or a ticking time bomb...waiting to explode!

In udupi i can say that BJP councillors have at least 2-3 houses and buying land left, right and center in udupi district. How did these govt servants acquire so much illegal wealth? All this has happened in the last few years only. Probably only V S Acharya was the only non-corrupt politician from udupi. Everybody else in udupi BJP is a rogue and crook. The current BJP MLA from Udupi is worth atleast 500 crores, all made from contructing new roads, river sand mining for constructing buildings, and building of brand new, massive DC office etc. Now he is building a 4-star hotel in Manipal. Maintenance of old existing, roads by filling potholes, or putting another layer of asphalt, no civic authority is interested, because they cannot make much money. This is the BJP rule in udupi and i am sure it is worst everwhere in karnataka.

But in center, nobody like Modi. He is the only shining light in a party filled with crooks.

Ideally, BJP (only because of Modi) should come in the centre and Congress should rule karnataka. Otherwise, it is pure "govinda" for karnataka.

Whatever may be the controversy in his name at Gujarat but we have to salute this person because “He is one of the Non-Corrupt Politicians even seen in India” Off course people follow him like anything whoever loves development everywhere

ya if he will be CM of K'ntak then , voter will vote for BJP . Right now it clearly a mixed up Govt no one will get clear majority this time for sure.Seems like JDs might play a big role in forming GOVT

Once congress announces his candidates situation will drastically change. There is Modi wave throughout India. 2014 is for NaMo!!!! Those who wants development, Better to forget past and support Modi! Those who wants politics only can harp on past riots. But the question is why they dont talk about 1984 riots. Why only 2002 :) jai BJP

BJP is in danger of loosing the assembly elections by getting down to less than 50 seats.It will be a big blow to Modi's PM aspirations if campaigned in Karnataka elections. Better you avoid this situation!

Narendra Modi nothing infront karntaka Congress,he don't have any good program like UPA government like Food security bill,direct cash for the poor,MANERGA,just industrialist and NRI developed in Gujarat not the poor people, even in Gujarat Petroleum Products higher then any other state in india.

I have seen only 3 people who has good Oratory skills in whole of India. 1. Narendra Modi 2. Praveen bai Togadia 3. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. There is no one else other than these three in their ability to pull crowds & speak fluently.

If Narendra Modi actively campaigns in Karnataka & KJP abstains for this assembly election, 100% BJP will come back to power. Since votes are getting divided due to KJP there is a possibility of Congress gaining from this. Or else Congress will never come back to Power.

Narendra Modi coming to prop up the BJP campaign in the upcoming Karnataka Elections indicates the desperation of the BJP which has lost the plot long ago. In the last elections the BJP said that it’s a party with a difference. Its corruption was truly different as can be seen by its misrule in the past 5 years. Garbage, Water and Power are major problems. The citizen’s attention has been diverted to non issues.The Congress is corrupt is well known & because of its earlier misrule paved the way for more corruption. But the 5 years misrule and the curtailing of all basic rights of minorities by the BJP and the damage in 5 years has been enormous in many spheres. What will Narendra Modi say, except that the Centre is Corrupt and that the Congress has achieved nothing since independence. The same Modi who has been snubbed by Wharton and Nitesh Kumar is now been given a special platform here in our Karnataka.

“Yetha Raja Thatha Praja” is the old saying.

The politician in Karnataka and in the country is wily and knows that the urban populace especially the middle class, youth and educated class really are busy with day to day problems and most of them don't vote. This makes matters easy for the corrupt politician who woos the slum dwellers and rural mass with freebees, false promises and gets voted repeatedly. So what are the options?Yes, it seems we need to wait for 5 years for more numbers in young India to emerge once .Our leading BT chief Dr. Kiran Mazumdar has called upon all citizens ,IT, BT and young technocrats to go and caste their vote in large numbers.We must therefore vote and elect the best among the worst and make sure that Freedom of Press , Thought ,Speech is the priority. Freedom which was hard fought and won in 1947 is not to be thrown to the winds.Freedom is like the Air we breathe and we are suffocated Only then the Halls & Walls of Vidhana Soudha will resonate again that " Government's work is God's work"

Supreme Court dismissed hands of Modi in Gujarat Riot. Are you above SC of India?

If you have any guts go to SC and appeal, rather than commenting baseless here. Supreme Court knows who attacked HINDU KARASEVAKS in train.

Indira Gandhi was against SIKH community. Her OPERATION BLUE STAR to capture Bhindrenwale destroyed sikh temples. Many people had warned her about the consequences. But it was her un-matured single handed decision. By attacking the temples she had hurt the sentiments of Sikh community. Several innocent sikhs were killed. Indira Gandhi was a big communal. On revenge you know what happened on Oct 31st, 1984. After her death congress instigated hindus to start riots against Sikhs. Why whole sikh community should be targetted instaed of punishing the 2 bodyguards who killed her? Because of Sikh riot, 3000 innocent people lost life. Congress is responsible for this carnage.

Sorry, Dinesh, ..SUPREME COURT MAY DISMISS CASE AGAINST MODI DUE TO LACK OF EVIDENCES BUT GOD'S COURT HE IS STILL CULPRIT AND THAT'S WHY HAS WORLDWIDE BAN EXCEPT CHINA & SRI LANKA....BY NOW CHINA MAY ALSO BAN HIM AS INDIA VOTED AGAINST SRI LANKA.BY THE BY, YOUR OWN ATL BIHARI VAJAPAYEE ALSO ASKED HIM TO FOLLOW RAJADHARMA....What is Raja Dharma?SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL MANKIND...

For all his claims about innocence being proven the court,SC repeatedly rebuked him by transferring thousands of riot related cases out of GUJ.His hench man Babu Bajaranagi and his senior Cabinet Colleague Maya Kodnani serving long prison term!!Can you feign ignorance for this on record?

We don't know what will happen in God's court. Everyone including you and me might be punsihed in God's court for wrong doings, if any.

But INDIRA GANDHI was punished in HUMAN COURT only, for her NARA-MEDHA of innocent lives.

Babu and Maya Kodnani are punished for their self crime. Why are you blaming Modi for that just because they are associates of Modi??? It is like blaming you if your friends commits crime.. Have some commonsense.

The only reason Modi has not ended up with them is because of the the protection that power provides in India, nevertheless to mention the methodic destruction of all evidences that the admin has presided over during the past to the years. Modi, who belongs to world court is not only repeatedly elected,he is now making own PR to the top post in the largest living democracy on the planet...INDIA AND IT'S PEOPLE WILL NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN..

IF Modiji is campaigning for Karnataka then he is supporting directly miss deeds corruption.... and what not happened in Karnataka since last 5 years of rule. Do we need such type Prime Ministerial candidate to rule India........ huhuhuhu

If the election is for Parliament & Vajpayee comes for campaigning then only Karnataka voters might vote for BJP in large numbers like they did in the past.But Modi can woo the voters to attend his rallys, but he cannot ask(sway)them to vote BJP back to power after the bitter experience of inefficient misrule of the party of indifference.Modiji we want peace & development back in our State, please let us decide who can govern us better or Live & Let us Live as well!

That goes to say and show that BJP does not have person\s who can win and lead the government of Karnataka on their own. They have beg, borrow and send koti koti pranams to head of another state to tell them, teach the BJP people in Karnataka how to win the election.People should realise this fact and understand the need to change the present Govt. for any development to take place in Karnataka. Otherwise it is "DEVERE GATHI" for Karnataka's future!!!

Jeevan Mangalore-Agreed that most of the commentators on this article are Congress supporters and BJP haters going by the dislikes you receive for your comments.But how would you describe the changes brought in these recent months by the electorate first by changing the UDUPI MP then changing the mandate in the recent local elections?Are you not convinced that the BJP days are numbered? What else proof you need that BJP does not have any more support it had all these days? What poor Modi can do now?

What you will say to the people of Karnataka Mr. Modi?Will you criticise your party-men for the scandals,the way you have criticizing Congress?Or will you tell People of Karnataka that corruption is exposed by LokayuktaThere is no corruption in GUJARAT for there was NO LOKAYUKTA? Assume BJP is voted to power for your charisma, Are you going to head the Govt. of Karnataka as well?

Karnataka is a highly educated state in our country. No one un educated like MOdi. BJP is a "BESHARAM JANATA PARTY",to call dictator Modi in Karnataka to help party.It will prove BJP in our State that BJP not eligible to rule the State. BJP not have even one qualified leader in Karnataka. They knows only loot and scames, When the time of challenge they are calling dictators. BJP need to shut down and close thier party in Karnataka. and leave all BJP leaders to Gujarat from Karnataka. We have in Karnataka lots of qualified leaders and parties to rule our State. Now we the Kannadigas need to keep open our eyes. Allah, Ram and Jesus Bless our State.

Do you feel all congi ruled states are non corrupt ??? Is not center is involve in lot of Scams.. Is there leader not visiting all around india... Why not Modi.. If party given responsibility he must act..

Jeevan....Corruption has no limits...everywhere!!!Apart from riots one thing noticeable in ruling Modi govt is out of 115 BJP members 32 MLA”s are facing criminal charges in Gujarat such as rape,dacoity and murder!!!Those who highlight corruption in non-bjp states must seriously take notice of this.How can he get sainthood?

Jeevn,you are accepting GUJ carnage in principle by shading Sikh riots!!!All riots are inhuman and dealt as per merit.But Sikh rioters are not named for any post instead prosecuted and Modi named by media and his industrial friends seeing hlobby & PR about him nationally and internationally!!!!.

Modi is a good leader in Gujarat no doubt at all and Modi means business in Gujarat i.e developments . In Karnataka BJP means problem means infighting means people desert BJP. Now Modi and his success stand which direction in Karnataka only the voter will decide in this coming election.At present the scenario of BJP in Karnataka is in the lowest level of it's entire ruling.

By arguing some thing don't highlight congi central governments inability. You know so much about CAG and I think your central governmment don't know all this! May be they are waiting for Modi's concent for investigation & to lodge a case. Who is stopping you? There are so many CAG reports against central govt, ask them to investigate all reports.Read my comments again! Modi was not against Lokayukta, he was against the ed candidate and ion procedure. Go through the case proceedings. Why Supremcourt made MANGALAARATI to Cong government for ing CVC chief Thomas? any comments?

Mr.Modi no doubt he is very good leader and all chance for next PM. But in Karnataka bjp now no chance to regain power because of their own leaders. but if Modi campaign may be bjp will get more seats thts sure. but in karavali I don't think there is chance for BJP. Some people are commenting about Mr.Modi they really don't know the power of modi.he is not like Rahul gandi or any other congress leader. There is chance also BJP in Karnataka in case Rahul campaign for Congress then sure BJP will come power.

EVERY SAINT HAS A PAST AND EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE UNLESS PRONOUNCED TO HANG.MODI BHAI,ALL IS DOOM AND GLOOM IN THE POLITICAL ARENA.CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?PLEASE DO NOT GIVE US EMPTY NIPPLE LIKE ALL HAVE DONE EXCEPT ATAL BIHARI VAJAPEYEE.PLEASE LOVE INDIA AND ALL INDIANS.

Single handedly BJP did not get majority in 2008 Assembly election even after Modi's active canvass in Karnataka.In 2013 the party split in to three and KJP may replace current BJP in near future. Modi's participation can harm him more rather than help Karnataka BJP.BJP,for the past 5 years ruled Karnataka by manipulating majorities time to time and in this effect SC/HC and media focused and scolded the national party.Under the circumstances,if BJP fail to cross 50 MLAs that would bring jeopardy in the nomination of Modi for PM chair.

Forget about winning the election if MODI will come for campaign and urge people to vote. Even if MODI himself will come to stand for election, then also he will lose with majority..as if hes a big "Topu" .

Mr.Modi is an aggressive,dynamic and non corrupted leader.I feel he should NOT come to TOTALLY CORRUPTED Karnataka and spoil his image..Sir, Please stay away till all corrupted BJP politicians get kicked out in the coming election.(exception:Shettar & S.Gowda)

He is quite intelligent enough and by his gesture we can make out, he is double minded to help BJP to campaign in Totally Corrupted BJP in Karnataka. He should come here just to tell people to choose the right candidates instead of BJP.

Narendra Modi Campaigning will definitely help Karnataka BJP to some extent. Recently Suvarna Channel conducted SMS survey in which 85% people endorsed Modi for PM post and only 15 % voted for Rahul. But the problem is the election is for state assembly and Karnataka BJP spoiled their name to such an extent which can't be repaired within 2-3 months. Still Karnataka BJP is having some corrupt & selfish leaders. Even though there is no good alternate choice, voters may opt for a change which will help either Congi or JDS. KJP is only for naam ke vaaste (simillar to Gujarat Keshu Bhai Patel. If we go by the recently TV9 published poll survey vote share of Congress and JDS either remain same or less than last time election. BJP loosing 2-4% of vote because of KJP.So Modi can impact little bit in this election but not too much. Once Congress announces its candidates and CM candidate there will be definitely infighting which may benefit a lot to BJP. To be frank there is no wave for congress, it may increase its tally only because of BJP's self goal.

Sure Why not? Please go through in detail and keep your facts right. Modi was not against Lokayukta but against the Lokayukta ed by Gujarath Congi biased Governor. The governor who himself is having many corruption charges against her. Modi was against the Lokayukta ion procedure not against lokayukta institute. Tomarrow if any state government against for any CBI investigation, it is because it is congress tool, not because they are against CBI.

There is a CAG findings of corruptions in purchasing of power in inflated prices and sold to Adani industries with less than purchased making exchequers thousands of crores of rupees(Adani group, incidentally sponsor of Warton Business educational institute USA for Modi's address but later because of hue and cry that workshop address was canceled)Apart from that there is also a gas exploration expedition which cost exchequer another big loss and evetually these KARNAMAS of Modi will out(court will take cognizance) in the due course of the time but certainly among BJP politician, somebody will do that I mean before PM nomination.About Lokayukta issue,Modi went up to Supreme Court which was turned down!!!!!If he is saint or let's clean why oppose LOKAYUKTA?

Unfortunetly for Modi the only Weapon he may have for Karnataka is talk about the ever corrupt UPA Govt & its policies of taking the country for a ride by mocking the judiciary & Investigations agency for thier home work purposes. Thats all, Nothing much worth to talk about Karnataka BJP which except few farmer friendly polices during Yeddi time, rest 5 years were only spent in Operation kamala, looting, groupisem, notification & de-notification.

By attempting to woe voters in karnataka to vote for BJP, Modi is risking his image if has intentions to enter National league beacuse his critics who do not agree his Devlopment Governance, will surely take this opportunity to critize the Gujrath CM for his flop show as Karnataka BJP's fate is already destined even if Atal Bihari Vajpayee(respect) comes from his death bed to champaign.

MODI 3 time of winner of communal votes in Gujrat. He is opposing LOKAYUKTA in Gujrat, how is he going to face and convince the Karnataka voters. I wish and pray - Modi's efforts are utterly defeated by Karnataks voters. JAI HIND.If karnataka had follwed Gujrat by not appointing LOKA YUKTA, then Yeddy could have survived.

WHAT BSY SAYS IS 100% RIGHT. BJP NEVER KEEP UP WHAT IT SAYS. IT WILL CREATE SOME NEW SITUATION FOR ITS ACTIONS AND THE SAME IS LIKELY INCASE OF MODI WHICH MODY HAS TO THINK TWICE BEFORE CHALLENGING.WHAT WAS THE FATE OF BSY IN BJP ?HAS THE BJP PROVED ITS ALLEGATIONS?IF NOT SURE WHY IT PED BSY ONCE SAID BEFORE ELECTIONS AS CMCANDIDATE? IS HIGH COMMAND RULING!

My sincere advice for Modi is that let him campaign for congress because even God is shy of helping BJP this time because of their sins for the last 5 years.But unfortunately we do not have enough Gujjus in Karnataka to listen to his bakwas of development.

Can developing be a substitute for justice though and somehow compensate for crimes against humanity?Yes,finally we will accept there are development in GUJ in these years but given the long history of commerce and developed economy of GUJ, it could be accepted as continuing process of development.To substantiate my comments on Modi,I could give example of Germany which saw rapid economic development & robust industrial growth under HITLER!!!Then, how civilized societ cons If development,induider Hitler? Messiah or....indstrial growth and robust economic activities sole criteria for Leadership, then we have other leaders like NITHISH,BSY(then CM-not now...when he was CM of Karnataka his name not even once figured in BJP PM probable list)Coming to Karnataka politics, it is too late for Modi if we see other aspects other than his past and voters already decided to bring about a change of guard for various political social and economic reasons.If Modi chooses to participate in Karnataka election,perhaps it could even hamper his nomination for would PM of India for sure.

Hahah, What congress has done in 1984? crime against Sikhs?(you will say it is not crime against Humanity because you consider only minorities are humans). Congress never did any development work, committed all kinds of crime and corruption but succesfully fooling voters in the name of psuedo secularism.

why he should endorse bjp in karnataka ?? is he can take the responsibilities for all misdeeds done by the bjp in Karnakata !! is he can able to punish them without any prejuice !! if he that much capable then why he invited Mr.Pathan for the campaigning.

If Modi bring back BJP to power in K'TAKA then he is rightly the PM candidate!Average Kannadiga is intelligent enough to understand simple politics....Do whatever one can do.... for the last 5 years and now with what face he can vouch for BJP in K'taka!?

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